With the update of iOS 14, Apple introduced a new feature of ‘orange dot’ to let users understand which apps have access to the microphone. There is nothing to worry about being scammed or heard about, as it focuses on the Privacy & Security of the user to save you from scams.
As this new update was introduced, iPhone users had a worrisome atmosphere that they were being heard or recorded. But in fact, Apple has updated it to indicate Orange Dot, which means that the App is using a microphone, and Green Dot, which means that the App is using a Camera.
And now the question arose: how to get rid of the orange dot on iPhone? Therefore, in this blog, we will look at the nitty-gritty of how to remove this dot and first explore if it is possible at all.
Quick view
How to check which app is using the microphone?
Orange Dot is a round dot on the top of your iPhone screen. It indicates that the App is using the microphone. However, one can easily check which App will use the microphone. Also, this can be enabled or disabled as per the user’s preference.
To do this, the iPhone user can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Go to the settings
- Step 2: Navigate to Privacy and Security
- Step 3: Click Microphone
- Step 4: Here, you will be able to see which App is using the microphone.
From here, the user can easily enable or disable the use of a microphone for the apps, as required.
How to get rid of an orange dot on iPhone: possible reasons why Apple introduced the feature
Apple, the manufacturer of iPhones, swears to keep the privacy and security of the users first. Hence, with every new upgrade, Apple finds some or other ways to make the iPhone and other Apple devices more secure for users. Hence, the update of adding an orange dot on the top can be due to three reasons:
- Let you know when the microphone is being used: It is important for the users to know which apps are using their microphones. Hence, the orange dot is a good indicator of the same.
- You can track your privacy: Whenever an orange dot appears, users will know that their microphone is in use. Hence, they can easily turn it off if they would like to maintain their privacy with the given App.
- Which App is recording things: A lot of times, many third-party apps are dubious enough to record the person using the iPhone and then use it for malpractices. Hence, whenever an orange dot appears, the user would know that the Apple device is recording or using the microphone.
How to get rid of the orange dot on iPhone: Possible fixes
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t make it possible for you to completely get rid of the orange dot. But, if you wish to know how to turn off the orange dot on your iPhone, here is a fix that can help you customize the orange dot. This will also allow you to control which apps can have access to your microphone by doing basic settings on your iPhone.
Hence, here are a few simple steps on how to get rid of the orange dot on your iPhone:
- Step 1: Open the settings
- Step 2: Tap on Privacy
- Step 3: Tap on the Microphone
- Step 4: Toggle the turn-off Button for the apps where you do not need the microphone.
However, at times, the orange dot still won’t go after this setting, so it is best to restart your device to save and implement the settings. To do so:
- Step 1: Press and quickly release the volume up button
- Step 2: Press and release the volume down button
- Step 3: Hold the side button and reboot it when the Apple logo appears
Last Words
Here are some of the fixes you can try. I hope it will help you as I have given all the possible ways. But let me tell you some famous apps like Zoom, Whatsapp, Signal, Maps, Instagram, Facebook, etc., will need access to your microphone. It’s a new Apple Privacy Feature to let users better understand when apps access their microphones. There’s nothing to worry about, as it’s an update by Apple to protect your privacy and security.
Unfortunately, you cannot run from it completely unless you stop using the App that is accessing the microphone. That’s not possible in any case, but you can be more aware and prevent hackers from accessing your Microphone or Camera. Moreover, if you wish to know how to get rid of the orange dot on your iPhone, you can also take the help of some third-party apps, but the security of these would not be guaranteed.
